Are Co-operatives The Answer to the Problems of Capitalism ?

Capitalism favours a system where there is a hierarchy of people gaining profit on the back of people whom are paid enough to keep them in a job however whom cannot move from one job to another easily enough. You pay a man a wage, and also control him, with the net result that corporations and big business gain power. Capitalism may have some benefits but by and large is it not the largest contributor to the issues we have at the moment in the world in terms of strife? No one need look any closer than to the US, where there has been an unequal health care system and social welfare system and where minorities were treated like second class citizens. Large insurance companies own the vast tract of the health care market, social welfare is cut off after a year as people are expected to be wage slaves and big business is predominantly white. Capitalism has contributed to the cause of divisions within society with African Americans, Latinos and other minorities all being treated with disdain by large corporations in the pursuit of materialistic wealth. Access to housing, employment, education and other benefits is restricted to a swathe of white America who are intent on oppressing those from whom they can’t make a quick buck. Israel has seized land from Palestinians in the hope of expanding to make a larger country, more resources means more profit and the pursuit of financial goals inflicts more misery on the people of Palestine.

Photo: Factory in China (Wikicommons)

The divisions that afflict such groups can be seen as to be beneficial to capitalists and their ilk. The worker that is not united is the worker that will not fight, that will not empower themselves and rise up and fight for the rights they are entitled to.

Free Market economics is dictating world policy as it stands at the moment. A price is agreed on for goods and this in turn spurs growth of the economy with improved quality and a lower cost, as there is so much competition. However a free market will only benefit certain individuals. How might this be countered? Mutualism could be one solution. A number of co-ops are set up and are government run with each co-op competing against one and other and private industry pushed to the peripheral. In Ireland this could take the role of looking at areas of drug research that other multinationals are not doing here but are doing abroad that could create competition. Each of the mutual co-ops would be owned by the staff and shares offered if they wish to buy more and each given a basic wage (good wage ). This answers the issues raised by those whom are pro capitalist, it creates a free market effect but also takes into account factors that affect unemployment and job creation.
fluffybiscuits 28 August 2023